A chef, a farmer, a seed specialist – Sally Hodge’s story

For many, a passion for fresh produce starts at the dining table. For Sally Hodge, it started in the kitchen—as a professional chef determined to work with only the best ingredients. But it wasn’t long before her curiosity led her beyond the plate and into the field.

“I became fascinated by the journey of fresh produce before it arrived at the kitchen door,” she says. “That passion took me from farming to the seed industry, where I now work with growers to find the best vegetable varieties for their needs.”

As a Product Development Specialist at Nunhems, Sally is responsible for testing and evaluating new vegetable seed varieties, ensuring they thrive in different growing regions across Australia. From leafy greens in the Lockyer Valley to watermelons in northern Queensland, her work directly impacts farmers by providing them with more productive, resilient crops.

“The difference improved genetics can make is incredible,” Sally explains. “We’re constantly looking for ways to improve yield, disease resistance, and quality—ultimately making life easier for growers and ensuring better produce for consumers.”

Sally’s role isn’t just about plants—it’s about people. She spends much of her time in the field, collaborating with farmers, gathering insights, and helping connect new varieties with real-world needs. “I love getting on farm, meeting growers, and working together to find the best solutions,” she says.

One of her proudest moments came at the Lockyer Valley Growers Expo, where Nunhems’ exhibit won Best Seed Company Display. “Seeing customers embrace our success and recognise the quality of our varieties was a great feeling,” she recalls.

Despite the challenges of constant travel and data collection, Sally wouldn’t trade her job for anything. “I get to work with amazing products in beautiful locations, with my hands in the dirt and the sun on my back—it’s the perfect balance,” she says.

With a deep-rooted passion for agriculture, Sally continues to drive innovation in the seed industry, ensuring farmers have access to the best varieties available. “If I could leave one lasting impact, it would be to help develop the top-performing variety in every crop I work with,” she says. And with her dedication, that goal seems well within reach.